The demagogues

This nation had its share of populist demagogues last century. Huey Long and George Wallace come to mind.

It has been a recurring feature of human nature for those who, as Thoreau said, “lead lives of quiet desperation” to blame someone other than their own kind for their plight — which has meant, usually, blaming minorities and foreigners.

The rise of the current incarnation of this phenomenon is not unique in the United States. It can get much uglier if not held in check by the awakening of our better natures.

There are many important municipal elections scheduled this year throughout Miami-Dade County. The impact of those elections on local residents spans across many issues, like personal safety and security, taxation, and neighborhood recareation programs.

Because these issues often affect the quality of residential life and the delivery of municipal public services, residents should take more than passing interest in who their candidates are and what they stand for. It is most important for all of us to become informed and vote.